Ask your state legislator to co-sponsor Safer Alternatives Bill

The Safer Alternatives Bill, sponsored in Massachusetts by Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Steven Tolman, will create a pragmatic and flexible program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, wherever feasible.

In 2008 the bill passed the Senate but not the House and so this session we need your help to start out with a strong show of force even greater than last year!

Make sure that your Representative and Senator take the first step this session and sign on as a co-sponsors of the Safer Alternatives Bill.

Here's what you can do:

• Call your legislators. You can reach your Representative or Senator by calling these general lines: Representatives: (617) 722-2000. Senators: (617) 722-1455.
• Or find their direct office numbers by clicking on these links: Representatives, Senators
• Find out who your legislators are here

If your Representative is newly elected, contact Elizabeth Saunders at esaunders@cleanwater.org for help figuring out how to contact them.

When you reach your Representative, Senator, or a legislative aide

• Tell them your name and where you live
• Say "Please co-sponsor The Safer Alternatives Bill (newly renamed An Act for a Competitive Economy Through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals), sponsored by Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Steven Tolman.  This is a critically important bill to protect our health from toxic chemicals and keep Massachusetts businesses competitive on the global economy so please make it a priority to see that it passes in the coming session."
• Ask them to call you back and tell you whether the legisaltor will co-sponsor or not.

Here are a few Legislators who have co-sponsored already (be sure to thank them for taking initiative early):

• Representatives: Kaufman (lead sponsor), Brownsberger, Fresolo, Kafka, Provost
• Senators: Tolman (lead sponsor), Brown, Hart, Joyce, Tucker

More information on the Safer Alternatives Bill

The Safer Alternatives Bill, which has been newly renamed An Act for a Competitive Economy Through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals, will again be sponsored by Representative Jay Kaufman and Senator Steven Tolman. This bill will create a program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever a feasible, safer alternative exists.

In this economy, this bill is needed more than ever. The Safer Alternatives program will help Massachusetts businesses stay competitive on the global market which is rapidly moving towards a demand for safer products and services. The program will is funded by a fee on toxic chemicals brought into the state primarily by out-of-state firms. We can act now to begin a positive pragmatic program that will create healthy residents and a healthy economy.

As you may remember, the Safer Alternatives Bill passed the Senate unanimously on Jan. 29, 2008 but was not brought up for a vote in the House before the 2007-2008 legisalative session ended, despite widespread support. Eighty five Representatives signed a letter last spring requesting that the bill come up for a vote and others showed their support in other ways. As we are now entering a new legislative session (2009-2010) the bill must again start over at the beginning of the legislative process. We are hopeful that the support gained last year will make a big difference as we move forward this year.